Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant.And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm. (Revelation 11:19)

As John hears the voices that proclaim that Jesus is about to rule directly on Earth (Revelation 11:15), He sees that God’s temple in heaven has been “opened” so that the ark of the covenant, dwelling in the Holiest chamber, is suddenly revealed. This signifies that there is now a way for mankind to approach God directly, despite His Holiness. The way of course, is through the blood of Christ.

There is part of me that wonders if this “opening” of the temple in heaven will be visible on Earth at this point near the end of the tribulation. If so, it will strike fear into the hearts of the unbelievers. To them it will not signify a relationship with God, but rather the terrifying presence of a Holy God who is about to judge them.